\Splint\, n. [Akin to D. splinter,G. splinter, splitter,
Dan. splint, Sw. splint a kind of spike, a forelock (in
nautical use), Sw. splintato splint, splinter, Dan. splinte,
and E. split. See {Split}, v. t., and cf. {Splent}.]
1. A piece split off; a splinter.
2. (Surg.) A thin piece of wood, or other substance, used to
keep in place, or protect, an injured part, especially a
broken bone when set.
3. (Anat.) A splint bone.
4. (Far.) A disease affecting the splint bones, as a
callosity or hard excrescence.
5. (Anc. Armor.) One of the small plates of metal used in
making splint armor. See {Splint armor}, below.
The knees and feet were defended by splints, or thin
plates of steel. --Sir. W.
Scott.
6. Splint, or splent, coal. See {Splent coal}, under
{Splent}.
{Splint armor},a kind of ancient armor formed of thin plates
of metal, usually overlapping each other and allowing the
limbs to move freely.
{Splint bone} (Anat.), one of the rudimentary, splintlike
metacarpal or metatarsal bones on either side of the
cannon bone in the limbs of the horse and allied animals.
{Splint coal}. See {Splent coal}, under {Splent}.